TAKING OFFICE: Former businesswoman set as new treasurer for County

January 10, 2013

Surrounded by her grandsons, Whitley County treasurer Laurell Hodges gets sworn into office by Superior Court Judge Doug Fahl. Hodgesâ€™ grandsons, Will and Wesley Hotchkiss, Niles and Isaac Hodges and Ben and Levi Mcfarland held the Bible for her as she took the oath.Photo contributed / Eberly Photography

COLUMBIA CITY â€” A businesswoman and life-long resident of South Whitley is now the new treasurer for Whitley County.

Laurell Hodges first had an interest in the treasurer position because of her passion for numbers. Her political background was also in place. Hodges has worked with her precinct for the Republican Party and is also vice-chairman of the party. This brought familiarity with what could come in the campaign process.

The fact of her election is something Hodges expects to keep her grounded.

Work will begin quickly. Hodges is settling into her new office and knows the standards are high. Her respect for the officials of Whitley County is immense. She said it is the great benchmarks set previously, especially in the treasurerâ€™s office, that motivates her.

Hodges ran Eberly Hall, a catering business. That line of work had her busy on weekends. Now she is in the opposite position.

Hodges enjoys residing in the area and feels blessed to be close to family. She has three grown children and six grandsons. However, they live in Mentone, Syracuse and Huntington, leaving them all reasonably close.

Overall, Hodges is counting her blessings to be where she is at today.

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